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Posted on Mon, May 6, 2013 : 1:14 p.m.

Get a tour of the high tech workspace at the Maker Works Open House

By Ann Dwyer

With the technology that's now available, the DIY movement has gone beyond Pinterest board ideas into new realms. Unfortunately, that technology can be expensive or difficult to find. But not if you live in the Ann Arbor area. Check out the Maker Works Open House on Saturday and learn about what kind of amazing projects you could be working on.

Just one of the projects you could make with the 3D printer.

Lisa Carolin | For AnnArbor.com

Maker Works has four areas in their shop focused on metal, electronics, wood and craft. They house a wide range of amazing tools and machines such as a MakerBot 3-D Printer, Epilog Laser Cutters, ShopBot CNC router, Tormach personal mill, a Plasma Cutter and more. They also have computer work stations with cutting edge software programs.

The open house will include tours, tool demonstrations, a project showcase, raffles and refreshments. This is a family event, so feel free to bring the kids.

If this seems all over your head and out of your skill range, go to the open house to learn about their various classes that aimed at a range of people from beginners to experienced.

Comments

Michael Flynn

Tue, May 7, 2013 : 2:12 a.m.

I love Maker Works!
I just pay month to month- even though the full year membership is offered at a discount, because I can let my membership lapse when I'm busy teaching or traveling. The community feeling and useful sharing of ideas and suggestions among members is fantastic. It is easy to find open reservation times for the big computer controlled mills, lasers or other CNC tools. There is no extra hourly charge to run the tools. Maker Works even provides the wearable drill bits and end mills for members to use.

Nicholas Urfe

Tue, May 7, 2013 : 3:19 a.m.

&quot;Maker Works even provides the wearable drill bits and end mills&quot;
For a brief moment I thought you meant some kind of vest or apron covered with a bunch of tiny pockets, each filled with a drill or end mill.
I suppose that is not the sort of wearable you meant, but I still like the idea.
Consumable tooling is one of those tricky things in a shared shop space. If you use the cutters properly there isn't much wear. But it takes quite a lot of experience to get to that point. Doing the &quot;BYOT&quot; is a good way to go, but tooling is heavy! Especially lathe tooling mounted in quick change holders.